opens a door to such things for some of those who strive sincerely. The wisdom in this is that witnessing extraordinary occurrences and manifestations of divine power should broaden their experience, strengthening their resolve to renounce this world and free themselves from the promptings of desire.

He may, however, unveil true certainty to some of His servants and lift the veil from their hearts. Whoever is granted this unveiling of true certainty has no need to witness extraordinary occurrences, since their purpose was to bring about certainty, and certainty has already been attained. If something of this kind were unveiled to someone granted true certainty, his certainty would increase. Yet wisdom does not require that divine power be disclosed through extraordinary occurrences in this case, since he already has what he needs. Wisdom does require such a disclosure for the other person because of his need. This second person would be more fully prepared and qualified than the first.

The sincere seeker’s course is therefore to demand steadfastness of himself, for steadfastness is the whole of miraculous grace. Then, if something extraordinary occurs along his path, it is as though it had not occurred: he pays it no heed, and it does not diminish him. He is diminished only by failing to fulfil the obligations of steadfastness. Understand this, for it is a major principle for seekers, ascetic scholars, and Sufi shaykhs.”